This Fried Plantains Tostones recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy plantains. Tostones are crispy, salty, and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.
There’s no denying that plantains are a delicious and popular food choice in many Latin American countries. In fact, they’re often considered a staple dish! But did you know that Dominicans actually consider them their favorite side dish?
My Dominican friend introduced me to fried plantains or tostones when I was visiting her in Santo Domingo. They were crispy, salty and sweet–the perfect combination!
I was immediately hooked on them and started making them at home whenever I craved a savory snack.
Now, instead of chips and dip, you can find me noshing on these delicious treats! Fried plantains have become a staple in my diet and something I look forward to eating every time I visit the Dominican Republic.
Fried plantains are not the most nutritious food, but they are not devoid of nutrients. They are a good source of fiber and potassium, and they also contain some vitamin C.
However, fried plantains are high in calories and fat, so they should be eaten in moderation.
Everyone loves fried foods, and this dish will never disappoint. It’s perfect for big family gatherings or small get-togethers with friends.
Why don’t you give it a try to make your family members happy?
What are tostones?
To start, let’s learn a little bit about tostones. Tostones are a dish made from green plantains that have been fried and flattened into thin discs. You can serve it as an appetizer or main course and usually come with sauces like sour cream or salsa on the side.
How to make Fried plantains tostones?
I’ve already mentioned that fried plantains tostones are a dish made from fried, flattened plantains. It is a popular dish in many Latin American and Caribbean countries.
There are many ways to make tostones, but the most common method is to first fry the plantains in oil until they are golden brown.
I prefer thin tostones as they are more crispy and hold that texture for longer. Then, they are smashed with a tostonera (a tool specifically designed for this purpose) and fried again until they are crispy.
Tostones are often served as an appetizer or side dish, but you can also eat them as a snack. They pair well with meats and poultry, and can even be used as sandwich bread.
Ripe plantains are incredibly sweet, without tasting like bananas. Sweet plantains can be eaten raw but are tastiest when fried. The edges caramelize and become crispy, similar to the edges of pancakes cooked in butter.
But unripe plantain is perfect for this dish. When unripe, plantains are starchier and not as sweet. They hold their shape better when fried and have a chewier texture. So, make sure you have unripe plantains.
However, you can make tostones with either ripe or unripe plantains. If using ripe plantains, the slices should be cooked for less time so that they do not become too soft.
Unripe plantains will need to be cooked for longer so that they soften enough to be smashed.
Let’s make some delicious fried plantains!
Ingredients
For Dip:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 sprigs parsley
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 2 chopped tomato
- 2 cloves garlic
Equipment
- Tostonera
- Blender
- Saucepan
Instructions
Step 1
First, remove the peel from the plantain, discarding both ends. Cut the flesh into 2.5 cm thick slices.
Step 2
Heat the oil over medium heat in a small deep saucepan. Then, use a slotted spoon to lower the plantain slices into the hot oil. Fry each side of the plantains until they are light golden brown. It will take approximately 5 minutes.
Step 3
Use either a tostoneraor the bottom of a large jar to flatten the plantains( If you don’t have tostonera) on a cutting board until they are about 0.5 cm thick.
Step 4
Now, fry the plantains for a second time for 3-5 minutes. Both sides will be golden yellow.
Step 5
Place plantains on a plate. Sprinkle the salt to taste. Then keep it aside.
Step 6
Use a Pulse setting on a blender to chop all the ingredients for dip until they are combined but still in chunks.
Step 7
Serve the plantains with dip.
Tips
-After you fry plantains, use a paper towel to soak up any extra oil.
– The key to making crispy tostones is to flatten them thinly before frying them a second time. This will also help them stay crispier for longer.
-If you want to make sure your tostones are extra crispy, you can fry them a third time.
-Make sure to season your tostones with salt while they are still hot. This will help the salt stick to the tostones and give them more flavor.
What are the key distinctions between plantains and tostones?
Tostones are twice-fried plantains that are flattened and then fried again until golden brown and crispy. They are typically seasoned with salt and served with dipping sauces like mojo sauce, garlic sauce, or cilantro sauce.
Plantains are a type of starchy fruit that can be eaten either when ripe and sweet or unripe and savory.
When plantains are unripe, they contain more starch and less sugar, which makes them ideal for frying into tostones.
As plantains ripen, they become sweeter and more sugary, making them better suited for dishes where you want a touch of sweetness.
What to serve with Fried plantains tostones?
You can serve fried plantain tostones as a side dish or appetizer with dipping sauces like mojo sauce, garlic sauce, or cilantro sauce. You can also top them with shredded chicken, beef, or cheese for a more substantial meal.
How to store leftover Fried plantains tostones?
You can store leftover tostones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or in a pan on the stove before serving.
Nutrition Information
Amount per serving And % Daily Values
Serving: 8 people
Per serving: Calories: 219kcal; Carbohydrates: 30g; Protein: 1g; Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Sodium: 1750mg; Potassium: 519mg; Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 14g; Vitamin A: 1350IU; Vitamin C: 22.3mg; Calcium: 6mg; Iron: 0.7mg;
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading! As you can see, fried plantains tostones are a delicious and easy dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s best served as an appetizer or side dish but can be enjoyed as a snack too.
The sweet and salty flavors of this dish make it hard to resist. Try making some of these yourself soon!
Please share this article with your friends and family if you found it helpful. Enjoy!
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